Israel Launches Major Strikes on Gaza, Reports of 220+ Killed

Israel has launched a large-scale military operation in Gaza, conducting intense airstrikes across the region. According to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, at least 220 Palestinians have been killed so far. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that they were targeting what they described as "terror targets" linked to Hamas. 

Among those reportedly killed was Mahmoud Abu Wafah, Gaza’s deputy interior minister and the highest-ranking Hamas security official in the region. This marks the most extensive wave of Israeli airstrikes since the ceasefire was established on January 19. Attempts to extend the truce had recently failed, leading to the resumption of hostilities. 

Eyewitnesses reported that the strikes began as many in Gaza were having their pre-dawn meal in observance of the holy month of Ramadan. More than 20 Israeli warplanes were seen flying over Gaza City, Rafah, and Khan Younis before launching their attacks. The airstrikes caused widespread panic and destruction, further worsening the humanitarian crisis in the region. 

A statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed that both he and Defense Minister Israel Katz had ordered the strikes early Tuesday morning. The statement explained that the attacks were in response to Hamas’ continued refusal to release Israeli hostages and its rejection of multiple proposals from U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and other mediators. The Israeli government warned that its military actions against Hamas would now intensify. 

Israel’s Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, issued a strong warning to Hamas, demanding the immediate release of all hostages and stating that Israel would "show no mercy" to its enemies. 

Hamas reacted angrily to the strikes, accusing Israel of breaking the ceasefire agreement and putting the remaining Israeli hostages in Gaza at serious risk. However, Hamas did not immediately declare that it was resuming full-scale war. Instead, it called on international mediators and the United Nations to step in and prevent further escalation. 

Before carrying out the strikes, Israel had consulted with the United States. A White House spokesperson confirmed that President Donald Trump’s administration had been informed in advance of the operation. 

Efforts to extend the fragile ceasefire had been ongoing before the latest escalation. The United States had proposed extending the truce until mid-April, with an agreement to exchange hostages held by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody. However, talks stalled as both sides disagreed on key aspects of the deal, according to a Palestinian official familiar with the negotiations. 

The war between Israel and Hamas began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel, killing more than 1,200 people—mostly civilians—and taking 251 hostages. In response, Israel launched a major military offensive in Gaza, which, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, has resulted in over 48,520 deaths, most of them civilians. These figures are widely referenced by the United Nations and other international organizations. 

The ongoing conflict has devastated Gaza’s infrastructure. Most of the 2.1 million residents have been displaced multiple times, with around 70% of buildings damaged or destroyed. Essential services such as healthcare, water, and sanitation have collapsed, and severe shortages of food, fuel, medicine, and shelter have left the population struggling to survive.



Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9vy3k4dpz0o